The Pandemic’s Effect on Arthritic Feet
Many things have been negatively affected by the pandemic and foot and ankle health is no exception. Being confined for several months to their homes, many people adopted a casual attitude about footwear. Unfortunately, walking around barefoot or in stocking feet for prolonged periods of time can be bad for your feet, particularly if you have arthritis. People who have arthritis and walk regularly can add stress to the joints which are already inflamed and irritated from arthritis. Without support from shoes, the fat pads on the bottom of the feet that are referred to as shock absorbers can get worn down putting further pressure on joints. Additionally, conditions that often develop from having arthritis such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bone spurs, and bunions can intensify from walking barefoot. Those with arthritis can consult with a chiropodist who can treat their symptoms while offering preventative measures to take to avoid making their condition worse.
Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Swelling in or around the joint
Restricted range of motion
Difficulty walking
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs
